How do you know what you are capable of? I would like to know your experience with personal growth. Several years ago, while working in a clothing store, one of our regular customers said, “Why do you work here when you are so capable?” She went on, asking why I didn’t go to college. I did go to college and have a Bachelor’s Degree. I graduated college with honors. Because she saw me stocking clothes and cleaning out dressing rooms, a servant to sometimes very condescending women, she assumed this was the highest I’d aimed. I had taken that job because I felt isolated working alone and it led to me meeting friends I’ll have for life and a support system that I would later need immensely. I didn’t need to tell her any of that, I just smiled. Recently, I turned down a job because I did not feel capable. That’s not a failure. I knew quickly that the moving parts of this job were not yet aligned in a way in which I would be able to be successful. I’m sure that was disappointing but I knew it wasn’t the right time. Very recently, I was told that I wasn’t seen as personally capable of a specific task. Those words would have crushed me in years past, but this time, it was ok. Maybe there’s a better fit for their needed outcome. That is ok. Do I know I am capable? Yes. Do I have to prove it to anyone? Absolutely not. Is it ok they didn’t choose me? Yes, it is. It’s feels wonderfully affirming to have someone else think you are capable but putting too much weight in that also has the pendulum swing of disappointment when someone doesn’t see capability in you. That might be a catalyst and challenge for you to learn or prove yourself, but it also may be an opportunity to step back and move on to other things for the moment. I’ve done a lot over the years to help increase my own self worth, which often used to be tied to the approval of others. It’s ok to say no if you need to. To not be chosen doesn’t mean you are less. *Tool made by @hillview_tool. Tony doesn’t sponsor me or ask me to post his work, I do it because he’s an incredibly talented and kind soul who I enjoy working with. It’s an honor to engrave his work. The final reveal is coming soon 😊*

calaveratoolworks.com

Homepage change from Calavera Tool Works

calaveratoolworks.com

Behold! The Broham! To be clear, I should have started making these 1-1/4" dress belts a long time ago. And it was my Broham @pcwilliams67 who convinced me to get them cooking after so much time. We went through a few iterations on buckles, precise width and thickness... and in the end, had ourselves the perfect mix of sturdiness and ever so slightly dressed up style. Ready to rock with slacks, khakis or just the right pair of jeans. Heck, we've got a big family wedding this weekend and I fully expect to see a few of them on the dance floor! Now available at calaveratool.com #Handmade #Leather #Belt #MadeInTheUSA for the #Woodworker #Maker ... and hell, anyone else about to work hard and wanting to #lookgooddoingit #asmr #sounds

calaveratoolworks.com

50% off all Remnants and Hides ends at Midnight tonight! Wrapping up that 20% OFF Marilita Sale too! Don't miss out, good people! tell a spouse, tell a friend, tell them all! Let's go! #Leather #LeatherGoods #Remnants #Sale #RemnantSale

calaveratoolworks.com

So many good sounds for your Sunday morning. Not least, I spent the last two hours pulling together a supercut of this apron build just so I could add this particular song at the end. Fit so well with the hammer action. Just watch till the end. You'll see what I mean. #Handmade #Leather #Apron #MadeInTheUSA for the #Woodworker #Maker ... and hell, anyone else about to work hard and wanting to #lookgooddoingit #asmr #sounds

calaveratoolworks.com

Ends Sunday! 20% OFF All Marilitas, including the Crossbody and of course the Marilita XL. No guarantees at this point, but if you hustle, you may very well have it in time for Mama's Day! Like it! Love it! Tell a friend! Thanks @caitlynlovesrocks for being the coolest. And yes, she very much loves rocks. And those vintage Calvin Kleins. Sidenote: Pancho looking sharp! #Handmade #Leather #handbag #MadeInTheUSA #tote #mothersday #charleston #fj40 #fj40landcruiser #asmr #sounds

calaveratoolworks.com

Apron + Chainsaw or no? True story: I had a meeting the other day but first needed to check out this sweet new Stihl MS390 I picked up off of Marketplace (bc of course), but I really didn't want to get completely covered in sawdust. So I threw on my trusty Black Raven Apron. And well, it worked. Now I'm not suggesting anybody replace their kevlar chaps for regular sawing, but it dang sure kept the chips and dust out of my business. And why am I comparing piles of chips, you ask? Well, I was comparing the chain on my 271 that was just machine sharpened to the chain on the 390, which I had just sharpened by hand. Pretty much the same result, but tell me if you see differently chainsawers among you. Oh, and what's the big stringy stuff at the end? Well, someone's sure to answer that below. Sidenote: Anybody hear about @swedeprosafety chaps? Been looking at a pair of those for awhile now. #Handmade #Leather #Apron #MadeInTheUSA for the #Woodworker #Maker ... and hell, anyone else about to work hard and wanting to #lookgooddoingit #asmr #sounds #chainsaw #stihl @stihlusa #safety #safetypolice

calaveratoolworks.com

#mayformakers2025 day 2- get ready with me! I basically don’t exist in the shop without my @calaveratool apron, caffeine and some other essentials 😅 What you don’t see much unless you’re in my stories is the weekend egg flips and occasional uniform selfie as I hit the job job Monday-Friday but when I get home is when I count the day starting 😏 #plsmithed #andtheymake

calaveratoolworks.com

Ends this weekend! 20% OFF All Marilitas, including the Crossbody and of course the Marilita XL. Better get that order in soon if you want it for Mama's Day! About the goods Marilita Size - 4" x 9" x 10.5" Straps - Adjustable Crossbody Closure - Sturdy locking latch Hardware - Vintagized Brass Colors - So many options Weight - 1.5lb Marilita XL Size - 6" x 11" x 13" Straps - Classic adjustable side straps Closure - Optional Sturdy locking latch Hardware - Vintagized Brass Colors - So many options Weight - 2.5lb Big shoutout to @caitlynlovesrocks for making this look so easy! #Handmade #Leather #handbag #MadeInTheUSA #tote #mothersday #charleston #asmr #sounds

calaveratoolworks.com

Love when a customer has some bada$$ patch they want us to add to an apron. And this one was particularly good! Apron Friday coming in hot manana! I'm thinking we may need to spread some love around, so get those pics and videos ready now! Oh yeah, that's a size 36 Grillmaster in Hammer Swinger Black. But you knew that already... right??? #Handmade #Leather #Apron #MadeInTheUSA for the #Woodworker #Maker ... and hell, anyone else about to work hard and wanting to #lookgooddoingit #asmr #sounds

calaveratoolworks.com

calaveratoolworks.com

Best sound you'll hear today. OK, that might be a little bit of a stretch, but still... knocking the stitches down flush on this custom did produce a pretty cool beat. Sidenote: If you've got patches, we've got stitches. Send em to me and I'll put em on your new forever apron! #Handmade #Leather #Apron #MadeInTheUSA for the #Woodworker #Maker ... and hell, anyone else about to work hard and wanting to #lookgooddoingit #asmr #sounds #rhythm

calaveratoolworks.com

Hammer time! Young Belle @southernbelleleather went all the way to Japan to find this sweet little hammer for me. And I love it. Not only is it cool and vintage and fun to use, but my favorite sidekick went to no small amount of trouble to find it for me on her recent journey. So sweet. Also, for those of you you who don't believe the fire is necessary, I beg you to come try to glue this black leather together without it! Sidenote: is Hammertime one word, or two? #Handmade #Leather #Apron #MadeInTheUSA for the #Woodworker #Maker ... and hell, anyone else about to work hard and wanting to #lookgooddoingit #asmr #sounds

calaveratoolworks.com

Shoutout to @southernbelleleather who has become a little like family after over four years (!) at Calavera. Even though she's always talking about punching me in the face. And I'm always threatening to turn her in to HR. Seems to work. And well, she does good work. Bonus: she protects the shop from giant spiders. And gives daily affirmations to the cows out back and our shop cat Granite. If you haven't given her a follow already, then get over to @southernbelleleather and make it happen! #SmallBusiness #Leather #LeatherGoods #Wallet

calaveratoolworks.com

Hows that Blue Marilita XL got you feeling? And don't miss out! 20% OFF All Marilitas, including the Crossbody and of course the Marilita XL. Just in time for Mama's Day! Go now! Before change my mind! Definitely thru the weekend. But not much more. Took 1600 pictures in a little over an hour the other day. Though having a rockstar like @caitlynlovesrocks onboard makes it kinda easy. Like it! Love it! Tell a friend! #Handmade #Leather #handbag #MadeInTheUSA #tote #mothersday #charleston #asmr #sounds

calaveratoolworks.com

Homepage change from Calavera Tool Works

calaveratoolworks.com

20% OFF All Marilitas, including the Crossbody and of course the Marilita XL. Just in time for Mama's Day! Go now! Before change my mind! Definitely thru the weekend. But not much more. Super stoked with how this photoshoot turned out, too! Somehow took 1600 pictures in a little over an hour. Though having a rockstar like @caitlynlovesrocks onboard makes it kinda easy. Pancho also makes an appearance... naturally. Like it! Love it! Tell a friend! #Handmade #Leather #handbag #MadeInTheUSA #tote #mothersday #charleston #asmr #sounds

calaveratoolworks.com

Using this gorgeous claro walnut from @bidwellwoodandiron Gotta run it, run it thru my @cutechtools jointer to start the milling process for this special piece I’m making for a retiring chief 🤘🏼

calaveratoolworks.com